TV Buying Guide: A Need-to-Know to Know What You Need

When it comes to purchasing a new TV, the options can be overwhelming. With so many sizes, features, and specifications available, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment system, searching for a TV for your gaming setup, or simply wanting better clarity for your daily TV shows, this guide will break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

At Tellus Electronics, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect TV to suit your needs. Here’s your comprehensive guide to buying the right TV for you.

1. Screen Size: How Big is Too Big?

The first and most obvious consideration when buying a TV is screen size. Bigger isn’t always better, and you should think about the space where you plan to place the TV.

• Small Rooms or Apartments: For rooms where space is limited, a 40-55 inch TV is perfect for a comfortable viewing experience. If you’re setting up a TV for a bedroom or kitchen, something in this range will fit without overwhelming the room.

• Medium to Large Rooms: In larger spaces like living rooms or dedicated entertainment rooms, 55-75 inches is ideal. You’ll be able to enjoy immersive content without straining your eyes.

• For a Home Theater Experience: If you’re going all out and want that cinema-like experience, consider going 80 inches or more. Remember, you’ll need a significant amount of space to accommodate a larger TV.

Pro Tip: As a general rule of thumb, the ideal viewing distance from the TV is about 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the TV. For instance, if you buy a 55-inch TV, the ideal distance would be between 7 and 11 feet.

2. Resolution: How Clear Do You Want Your Picture?

TV resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen, and the higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed the picture will be.

• HD (720p): While HD might seem outdated, it still works well for smaller TVs (under 40 inches). However, for most modern TVs, 1080p is the standard.

• Full HD (1080p): Great for standard viewing, offering a sharp picture without pushing the limits of your bandwidth or budget. Most content and streaming services are available in Full HD.

• 4K Ultra HD: This is the future of television, offering four times the resolution of Full HD. If you’re planning to stream movies, shows, or games in top quality, 4K is the way to go. Plus, 4K content is becoming increasingly accessible, and many streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube support it.

• 8K Ultra HD: Still emerging and relatively expensive, 8K TVs offer incredible detail, but there’s currently limited content in 8K resolution. It’s best to consider 8K if you’re looking to future-proof your TV purchase.

Pro Tip: For most users, a 4K TV is the best investment. It’s a sweet spot between price and quality, and you’ll be able to access a wide variety of 4K content across streaming platforms and gaming.

3. Display Type: The Technology Behind the Screen

The type of display determines the quality of the picture, brightness, and overall visual experience. Here are the common display types:

• LED/LCD: These are the most common types of TVs available today. They provide a bright picture and are usually more affordable. However, the quality can vary, especially in terms of contrast and black levels.

• OLED: OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. OLED panels produce more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, offering a premium viewing experience. They’re great for movie buffs and gamers who want stunning visuals.

• QLED: A technology developed by Samsung, QLED combines the brightness of LED with quantum dot technology, providing vibrant colors and excellent brightness, making it ideal for well-lit rooms.

• Mini-LED: A newer technology, Mini-LED offers better contrast and brightness than standard LED TVs by using smaller backlight modules. This gives you a more vivid and detailed image.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the best picture quality, go for OLED if your budget allows. For vibrant colors and brightness, QLED is an excellent alternative.

4. Smart Features: Make Your TV Smarter

Today’s TVs aren’t just about watching content—they’re about integrating with your lifestyle. Smart TVs come with a range of features that make your entertainment experience seamless.

• Streaming Services: Make sure your TV has access to the major streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and others. Most smart TVs today come with built-in apps.

• Voice Assistants: Some smart TVs have Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri integration, allowing you to control your TV with your voice.

• Screen Mirroring: If you have a smartphone or tablet, you’ll want a TV that supports Miracast or Apple AirPlay, so you can stream content directly to the TV from your devices.

Pro Tip: Always check the operating system (e.g., Android TV, WebOS, or Tizen) of the TV to ensure it’s compatible with your preferred apps and services.

5. Sound Quality: Don’t Skip the Audio

Great picture is important, but you also need great sound. Many TVs come with decent built-in speakers, but if you’re an audiophile or looking for an immersive gaming experience, consider upgrading to a soundbar or home theater system.

• Soundbars: These are compact and easy to set up, providing better sound than most built-in TV speakers.

• Home Theater Systems: For true cinema-quality audio, a home theater system with a surround sound setup can take your viewing experience to the next level.

Pro Tip: Check whether the TV has Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support if you’re after premium sound quality.

6. Connectivity: Ensure Compatibility with Your Devices

Lastly, consider the connectivity options available. Most modern TVs have HDMI 2.1 ports, which support high-definition content from gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more.

• HDMI Ports: Look for at least 3-4 HDMI ports, especially if you have multiple devices (gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming boxes).
• USB Ports: USB ports are great for connecting external storage devices or streaming media directly from your hard drive.
• Wi-Fi/Ethernet: A smart TV should support both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections for easy internet access.

Pro Tip: If you’re a gamer, make sure your TV supports HDMI 2.1 for enhanced gaming experiences with 120Hz refresh rates and low latency.

Conclusion: Find the Right TV for Your Needs

Buying a TV isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Whether you’re after an immersive gaming experience, streaming your favorite movies in 4K, or simply enjoying TV shows with the family, knowing what you need helps you make the right choice.

At Tellus Electronics, we have a variety of TVs that cater to every need and budget, from budget-friendly LED models to premium OLED displays. Whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered!

Ready to upgrade your viewing experience? Visit Tellus Electronics for the best deals on TVs, soundbars, and accessories. With fast delivery, trusted brands, and expert advice, you’ll find the perfect TV to enhance your home entertainment today!